Katherine Jackson Denied Control of Michael's Estate

Katherine Jackson has been denied her request to become interim executor of son Michael Jackson's estate, but remains the temporary guardian of the entertainer's three children.

The original executors in the pop icon's 2002 will – John Branca and John McClain – have been named special administrators of the estate until Aug. 3, when both sides return to court, L.A. Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff ruled Monday.

"We believe Judge Beckloff made the correct decision," says Howard Weitzman, an attorney for the executors. "We intend to carry out the wishes Michael Jackson set forth. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jackson family this week in remembering Michael as a beloved father, son and brother, and as the world honors his remarkable legacy as an artist."

A family law expert said the judge's decision was expected. Alexis Martin Neely, founder and CEO of
the Family Wealth Planning Institute, said it would be "strange" for Katherine to be guardian of the children and the estate. The next step is for the temporary executors to take an inventory of Jackson's estate and present the findings to the court.

The Jackson family matriarch remains in control of Jackson's three children, pending a custody hearing with Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two oldest children, on July 13. Rowe has sent mixed signals on whether she wants to be the children's guardian.